A Forgotten First Step to Setting Goals
Why the most transformational January plan might be... no plan at all
Last night while I slept off a busy holiday, my inbox began to fill with urgent messages about becoming a new version of myself this year. “Change your life this year!" they shouted at me when I checked my email this morning, as if the person who just spent weeks creating holiday magic for others isn't quite enough and requires improvement.
It's a high demand to go from the bright lights of December gatherings to the drive for bold January ambitions. From celebration to transformation, without time to catch our breath in between.
But what if we've been missing a whisper winter gives us that is a gentler and more effective key to satisfaction and fulfillment in the coming year? What if these deep, dark days aren't calling us to transform, but to rest?
When Biology Whispers "Rest First"
Science tells us something fascinating: our executive functioning – that beautiful system in our brain that helps us plan, organize, and bring our dreams to life – actually requires deep rest to work its magic. When we're depleted, our brain creates a protective barrier around this system, believing we need to stay alert rather than plan ahead. Our own biology whispers, "Peace first, plans later."
This wisdom isn't new. Across the ocean, in the sun-drenched piazzas of Italy, there's a phrase that captures the art of intentional rest: "Il Dolce far Niente" – the sweetness of doing nothing. It's not about idleness, but about the profound joy of being fully present in simple moments. As one Italian described, “it can be as simple as turning the twinkle lights on that intertwine with the rose vines on her pergola or noticing the warm glow that comes from lighting a candle– or staying to watch the sunset turn to stars at the end of the day.” (https://www.maiaconsciousliving.com/the-blog/how-to-embrace-il-dolce-far-niente/)
This Italian art of savoring stillness isn't just beautiful – it's revolutionary. As a counterpoint to the emphasis on forward progress and analysis of the Enlightenment, Italians embraced rest and presence that helped birth the flowing, organic beauty of the Renaissance. When minds were given space to rest, creativity flourished.
Further north, Swedish culture offers us "Lagom" – the wisdom of "just enough." During their long winters, instead of fighting against nature's call to slow down, they embrace it. They understand that winter is for gathering in small circles of warmth, for lighting candles against the darkness, for finding contentment in having and doing just what's needed – no more, no less.
These aren't just lovely cultural stories – they're roadmaps to well-being. Both cultures consistently rank among the highest in life satisfaction, showing us that rest isn't just a luxury – it's essential to living well.
A Different Kind of January
Here at Functional Magic, we believe that peace is the purpose of performance and that there are no straight lines in nature. Just as Renaissance art flowed from sharp angles into organic curves, we are going to take a meandering detour from the rush of December's festivities into January's possibilities through the power of rest.
That's why I’m inviting you to join me for No Goals January – a restful rebellion against the pressure to transform overnight. Instead of pushing towards "your best year ever" (because honestly, that's a lot of pressure), we're taking a cue from nature and letting restoration allow for growth.
Next week, we'll begin exploring:
- The sacred art of intentional rest within systems that don’t value it
- Finding your own moments of "sweet nothing"
- Tips and scripts to support embracing winter's natural rhythm
- The science that supports slowing down
If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to make sure you receive these gentle nudges to rest and connect with others who are doing January differently. Because maybe the most powerful thing we can do this January is trust in our collective wisdom of rest.
With love,
Tricia
P.S. If you know someone who needs permission to rest, please share this with them. I’d love to grow our community of resters and nesters this January.